Introduction

Greetings Dear Readers! IN this entry we find a figure that honestly makes me giddy with the opportunity to talk about him. Why is that, you ask? What could possibly make you so excited to talk about a fat guy action figure in a butterfly suit action figure? Because this guy is to me a wonderful reflection of US. Not the United States as the capitalization would allude you to believe but me and YOU dear reader.

Just like Comic Book Guy in the “Simpson’s” before him, Henchman 21 here is a wonderful character that I believe was created specifically for us; the grown up toy geeks. As highlighted in the first few episode of Season 2 of the Venture Brothers, Henchman 21 here simply oozes with toy collector geekyness. Not only does he have a sweet collection of highly sought after colletibles he also has the delusions of grandeur that come with those purchase; they could indeed save the world (or at least the Monarch).

And with all of that said I’m sure that if the Henchman here was a real human being I could get on the phone I betcha he’d be pleased as punch that this figure was made in his likeness. Even with the non too flattering short pants that we’ll talk about in just a few. So sit back, break out your Incredible Hulk Smashing Fists and enjoy my take on the Toy Box’s latest addition, Bif Bang Pow’s Henchman 21 from the Venture Brothers line of 8 inch Classic style of action figures.

Point #1. What it is.

Point #2. Where it came from.

This fellow is available now at Entertainment Earth, Toys R Us or the omnipotent collectible powerhouse / monopoly that is ebay where I scored him.

#3. The Good.

With Henchman 21 here we find all of the goodness that we’ve come to expect from Bif, Bang, Pow: Mego style body as created by EMCE toys. A head sculpt that is constructed from separate pieces instead of just one block mold and of course that I raved about with the Henchman 24 review some time back (http://jimstoybox.com/2011/06/15/bif-bang-pow%E2%80%99s-venture-bros-henchman-24-%E2%80%93-the-best-re-mego-yet/ )

And while I still stand by the statement that Henchman 24 is the best Re-Mego yet, I do have to say that 21 here does give him a run for his money and almost exceeds him in greatness. The point that makes him almost better is the stuffed body suit to stand in for a fat body. While some may moan and complain that the stuffed body is a copout versus a separate fat body I say to them, “So, what?” I mean, why bother with all of that extra tooling and production cost when the pillow stuffing serves the purpose. It’s not like there are a bunch of other Venture Brothers characters out there that are in need of a fat body. With the rotund nature of my wannabe evil pal here pointed out we move on to the only negative I have about this guy… his short pants.

Point #4. The Bad.

The only gripe I have about this guy is that his shorts are simply too short. I mentioned in the Henchman 24 review that I found it funny that the Monarch’s army was represented with pawns that expose their belly buttons. It’s still funny when it comes to 21 here but it does make him look a bit too oafish. Sure he’s a goof and all but not quite so “Gomer Pyle / slack jawed oaf. Outside of that gap in the material I find no faults with this obese bad boy.

Point #5. Why I like it.

As I mentioned in the opening this guy is us. The geeky dude who simply can’t help himself in his collecting aspirations and of course seeing nothing geeky about it at all. As a matter of fact he is so justified in his actions that he should be considered a hero to all of us of the persuasion. Well, he’s my hero at least. And of course another prized collectible in the “Toy Box”.

 

Point #6. Why you should or shouldn’t get one.

Why you should:

Because you can’t have one without the other. Seriously who would motivate your Henchman 24? Certainly not the Monarch. Plus he is also a very clever figure in his design in the fact that he is indeed unique for an army of Henchmen if you were so inclined to build one up.

Why you shouldn’t:

Here I have nothing to offer you as far as opinion goes. He’s a perfectly fine, well rounded 8 inch classic style action figure. No pun intended by the way.

In Conclusion

Henchman 21 is another wonderful example that Bif, Bang, Pow, EMCE, and the creators / producers of Venture Brothers have really honed in on a property that is perfect for folks like you and me dear reader. And while some of the humor is indeed juvenile and rude the Venture Brothers is a great form of animated escapism that is fun and necessary for a dork like me. And possibly you too. Buy a figure and watch an episode the next time your thinking about throwing back a six pack to unwind. I bet you wake up the next morning feeling much better and will have something more to show for it than a few empty beer cans and spent Taco Bell wrappers. Now – Go Play! – Jim 06/21/11

Jim Bumgardner is a 20 year veteran of the broadcast industry and currently serves as the news director for television station TKO 8 in Harrison, Arkansas. Jim is the father of two the husband of one and firm believer in the power of toys for both the mind, body and soul. You can contact Jim via email at jimstoybox@gmail.com or visit his website at www.jimsmegos.com

 

All images and products are the sole copyrighted property of it’s respective owners. Specialty photographs and graphic work used for this article were done by Jim at the TKO 8 Studios located at 500 N. Main St in Harrison, Arkansas. “Little Jim” was created by Dawn O’Connell of Little Buddies Action Figures. Learn more about getting your own Little Buddy at www.littlebuddiesactionfigures.com

Mini – Jim’s New Body is the product of Castaway Toys!` Check out their hot bods and so much more at www.castawaytoys.com